President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that Nigeria is ready to welcome more local and foreign investment as he officially launched the Sales Office and Experience Centre for the Abuja City Walk development, describing the project as a major step towards economic growth, urban renewal and job creation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony in Abuja, the President said the launch marked more than the opening of a new building. According to him, it signalled the beginning of a multi-billion-dollar development that would transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a leading destination for business, tourism, innovation and modern urban living.
The Abuja City Walk project is a private-sector-led mixed-use development planned along the Abuja Airport Expressway corridor. It is expected to include residential apartments, commercial centres, hotels, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, parks and technology hubs.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the project reflects the goals of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on economic transformation, infrastructure development and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.
“It is with deep pride and optimism that I welcome you all to the official launch of the sales office and experience centre for the landmark Abuja City Walk project development,” the President said.
“Today, we are not just opening a building; we are unveiling the window to a multi-billion-dollar future. We are presenting a tangible manifestation of our Renewed Hope Agenda, sculpted in concrete, innovation and unwavering determination.”
Tinubu recalled that when his administration assumed office, it promised to rebuild the economy through infrastructure expansion and policies that encourage investment.
He said the Abuja City Walk project demonstrates that the government is committed to turning those promises into reality.
According to the President, the development is one of the largest private-sector investment projects in Nigeria’s history and is expected to become a major gateway connecting Nigeria to global business opportunities.
Although inspired by internationally recognised urban developments such as Dubai City Walk, Tinubu said the Abuja project has been designed to suit Nigeria’s unique needs and development priorities.
He stressed that the project shows that government and private investors can work together successfully to deliver large-scale infrastructure that benefits the economy.
“Sustainable national development can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” he said.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government plans to grant the Abuja Airport Expressway development corridor Free Trade Zone status.
According to him, the move will remove trade barriers, encourage regional commerce and attract investments in healthcare, premium retail, hospitality and other sectors.
Tinubu also sought to reassure investors that Nigeria remains a safe and profitable destination for business.
“Let me reassure both domestic and international investors: Nigeria is open for business, and your investments are safe. Our legal, physical and financial frameworks are continuously being optimised to protect capital, guarantee returns and eliminate unnecessary administrative bottlenecks,” he said.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for reviving the Abuja Technology Village corridor after years of inactivity.
According to Tinubu, the area remained largely undeveloped for about two decades because of bureaucratic delays and poor land administration.
“For 20 years, the Abuja Technology Village corridor lay dormant. Today, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of bureaucratic inertia, it is being transformed into a bustling construction hub,” he said.
He added that the government has ended the era where land allocations remained unused for years, insisting that land should serve productive purposes that promote economic development rather than speculation.
The President directed the FCT Administration and the project developers, Master International Links, to ensure that construction progresses according to schedule.
He said the development is expected to generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, suppliers and other professionals.
Tinubu also said the project would stimulate economic activities across Abuja and neighbouring states by creating opportunities for businesses involved in construction, hospitality, retail and other services.
He described Nigeria’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest strengths and urged investors to take advantage of the available workforce.
“This experience centre is an invitation to be a part of Nigeria’s future. It is a physical declaration that we possess the courage to conceive big dreams and the discipline to bring them to life,” he said before declaring the facility officially open.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the project supports President Tinubu’s efforts to attract greater investment into Nigeria.
He disclosed that the idea for the development emerged after discussions with development partners introduced through the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Emem Usoro.
Wike admitted that he was initially doubtful because several previous investment proposals had failed to materialise.
However, he said he became convinced after the developers demonstrated seriousness and agreed to immediate inspection of the proposed site.
According to him, the 250-hectare land earmarked for the project had originally been allocated for the Abuja Technology Village more than 30 years ago but had become the target of illegal land grabbers and fraudulent claims before the FCT Administration recovered it.
“I put my foot down and said this is government property and I must drive this development to come to the FCT,” Wike said.
He explained that he personally chaired the implementation committee to ensure that approvals were granted quickly and bureaucratic delays were eliminated.
According to him, the FCT Administration issued all required approvals within days, built access roads through CGC Nigeria Limited and coordinated relevant agencies to ensure that construction commenced without unnecessary delays.
“The whole essence of government is to provide an enabling environment for investors to come in and develop. There are a lot of jobs that will be created here,” the minister said.
He, however, warned that the government would not tolerate delays.
“If the timelines are not met, we’ll take back our land,” Wike declared.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of Link Developments Master City Walk, Dr. Kassim Gidado, described the Experience Centre as an important step in bringing the Abuja City Walk vision to life.
He said the centre allows investors and visitors to view detailed models of the proposed development through interactive digital displays, architectural models and fully furnished prototype apartments.
According to Gidado, the master plan covers 250 hectares and includes a Google Tech Village, a Knowledge Park with two universities, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, luxury hotels, exhibition centres, residential estates, recreational parks, police and fire stations, places of worship and what is expected to become West Africa’s largest indoor multipurpose arena.
He said the project is designed as a modern, climate-friendly and walkable city where technology, business, education, entertainment and community life can thrive together.
If completed as planned, the development is expected to reshape part of the Federal Capital Territory, attract billions of naira in investment and strengthen Abuja’s position as a major destination for business and tourism in Africa.